About SIM Centre for Systems Leadership

The SIM Centre for Systems Leadership (CSL) aims to develop and build systems leadership capacity to drive transformational, systemic change for the benefit of current and future generations.

We achieve this by offering professional learning and development programmes, partnering with professionals and enterprises to enhance and apply their systems leadership capabilities for greater individual and organisational success.

Lead the Change with Systems Leadership

With Systems Thinking as the foundation of this programme, you will learn to reframe your perspective and foster dynamic and generative conversations that catalyse systems level thinking and change. Unlock your potential to innovate, adapt, and thrive in today’s complex landscape.

Develop the 3 Masteries of Leadership

A systems leader cultivates a systems oriented culture, influences collective focus, takes a holistic view, ensures sustained progress, and enables collaborative action across boundaries to drive systemic change and achieve shared objectives.

Creation Mastery
To effectively lead a system, embracing the proactive and innovative dimensions of systems leadership is crucial. This involves envisioning and implementing positive changes by actively seeking opportunities to develop new and improved methods. As a leader, you must be a creative catalyst for transformative progress within the system.

Collaboration Mastery
The next step involves mobilising your team and diverse stakeholders towards a common goal. Effective collaboration is essential for achieving collective success and aligning everyone’s efforts.

Complexity Mastery
Finally, it is crucial to learn how to manage complexity and conduct strategic planning in a complex environment. This skill will help you navigate challenges and steer your system in the right direction.

Through a Systems Thinking Approach

By understanding and leveraging interconnected systems, leaders can enhance their ability to navigate complexity, foster collaboration, anticipate unintended consequences and drive more sustainable, systemic change.

As a result, they become more effective in addressing the challenges of their organisations and communities.

Systems Thinking Frameworks

Creative Tension Model

Hierarchy of Choices

Core Theory of Success

Ladder of Inference

Levels of Perspective

Creative Tension Model

Drive meaningful change
by leveraging the gap
between current reality
and the vision

Start with defining a compelling vision and assessing the current reality to identify gaps. This tension serves as a dynamic force that motivates actions aligned with the vision, using it constructively to drive transformative change and continuous improvement.

Hierarchy of Choices

Purpose is first.

Purpose serves as the North Star, providing
a clear direction and framework for all subsequent choices. By aligning choices with one’s core values and overarching mission, individuals and organisations ensure coherence, meaning, and long-term success in their actions.

A Core Theory of Success

Strong relationships
reinforce a sense of shared purpose.

The “Relationship-driven success loop” illustrates how the quality of relationships within a system impacts collective action, leading to positive outcomes. This continuous loop emphasises the interconnectedness of individuals and their collaborative efforts. Strong relationships foster effective communication, trust, and cooperation, essential for sustainable results.

Ladder of Inference

Challenge assumptions,
consider alternative viewpoints,
and make more informed decisions.

The Ladder of Inference illustrates how people make assumptions and draw conclusions based on incomplete or selective information, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. With this concept, you will be encouraged to seek out diverse perspectives, promoting a culture of curiosity, learning and growth.

Levels of Perspective

Gain a multi-dimensional
understanding of complex
systems

Systems leaders can uncover hidden patterns, interdependencies and emergent behaviours through understanding different levels of perspective, enabling them to make more informed decisions, identify leverage points for intervention, and foster holistic solutions that address systemic challenges effectively.

Systems leadership extends beyond mere systems thinking. It encompasses guiding teams through transformative conversations, embracing diverse mental models, and cultivating a collaborative culture.

For tomorrow’s leaders and changemakers

Systems Leadership
Foundation Programme -
Leading Effectively
in a Complex World

Participants learn foundational principles, enhance collective thinking, and apply practical tools for effective problem-solving. By course end, they emerge with a clear understanding of their role as system leaders, adept at aligning stakeholders and harnessing collective intelligence.

Learn more

PEARLS Intermediate Coach
Training for Senior Managers

This programme empowers participants with the PEARLS Framework, accredited by the International Coaching Federation. Through interactive scenarios, learners become adept workplace coaches, fostering trust and enhancing performance.